Brought to you by the Schull Harbour Hotel.

It’s just a skip and a hop from the city.

But nestled into the stunning West Cork coastline, the charming fishing village of Schull is a world away from your daily grind.

A town for strolling in shorts and flip-flops, with frequent stops for coffee and drinks in the sun, this is a place with plenty to offer, whether you like to fill your days with activities and sightseeing or kick back and soak up the summer vibes.

Boasting breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by rolling hills, this picturesque destination is a haven for nature enthusiasts and an excellent base for exploring spectacular Mizen Head, Crookhaven, Barelycove Beach, and Goleen – – and all just a 1.5-hour spin from Cork City.

Here’s our guide to the perfect 48-hour getaway:

3pm: Check in at Schull Harbour Hotel

Located in the heart of Schull village, the Schull Harbour Hotel is a delightful coastal retreat that puts you in the centre of the action. Comfy rooms and a warm welcome are guaranteed – just deposit your luggage and your staycation is already underway.

5pm: Head out for a pint in one of the town’s traditional bars or soak up the last of the evening sun by grabbing a table outside the Bunratty Inn, where you can order bites to enjoy with a crisp, cold glass of wine as you people watch.

Afterwards you’re just steps from a luxurious bed in your comfy room at Schull Harbour Hotel so you may as well stop for a nightcap in the Gracie Blue Bar en route.

10am: After a blissful lie-in, enjoy a leisurely brekkie in the bright and airy breakfast room (they serve until 11am so there’s no need to set the alarm too early). Take your coffee outside to sip as you watch the boats bobbing on the harbour.

12pm: Soak up the culture. With its rich maritime history, Schull is home to a vibrant harbour and a bustling fishing community. If a day of island exploration is on the cards, Cape Clear Ferries day tours depart from Schull pier to the spectacular Island of Cape Clear and Fastnet Rock from June to August.

The village also hosts a variety of cultural events, including art exhibitions and music festivals,

Treat the kids to some educational fun at Schull Planetarium, which boasts an uninterrupted weatherproof view of the night sky and a fixed schedule of star shows throughout July and August.

Schull has a vibrant art scene and a thriving local art community so plan a leisurely morning to take a slow stroll around its contemporary galleries.

If you’re after a more hands-on experience, at Arran Street East Bakery, Shop and Studio you can make and learn traditional crafts such as pottery, weaving, and baking with workshops and courses in a beautifully restored barn located behind the Main Street.

1pm: Order a fish finger sambo: All that action will require regular refuelling at Schull’s charming cafés and eateries. From cosy coffee shops to trendy bistros, the local menus are heaving with fresh seafood, artisanal treats, and locally sourced ingredients.

Don’t miss the elevated fish finger sambo in the Harbour Bar at Schull Harbour Hotel: a feast of golden breaded fish goujons, dressed leaves and lemon mayo, it’s the taste of a sunny summer in the salty air that memories are made of.

3pm: Try thrilling water sports: Dive headfirst into the exhilarating world of water sports in Schull’s crystal-clear waters, the perfect playground for surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even coasteering.

If a relaxing dip is more your speed, check out the Deep Blue Leisure Centre, where you can relax in the sauna and steam room or splash about in the kids’ pool with the little ones.

5pm: Head out for an evening hike: Make sure you pack the right footwear so you can embark on Schull’s epic coastal hikes. Locals will advise you on the network of scenic trails, including the iconic Three Castle Head, offering awe-inspiring vistas of rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and the boundless Atlantic Ocean.

 

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7pm: Bar hopping and good food complete a perfect day of holiday fun. Feast on prawn tails and Gubbeen chorizo, fresh chowder and locally-caught fish and chips at The Gracie Blue Bar at the Schull Harbour Hotel, then see where the night takes you.

9am: Sailing adventures and stunning beaches
After an early breakfast, channel your inner sailor and set sail on the open seas. Schull’s thriving sailing community welcomes beginners and experienced sailors alike, offering sailing courses, regattas, and the chance to explore hidden coves and remote islands.

You could also spend your final morning unwinding on Schull’s pristine sandy beaches, from the sheltered Cadogan’s Strand, a small inlet in the North East corner of Schull Harbour, to the kid-friendly Ballyrisode, Galley Cove, and Barley Cove a little outside town.

BOOKING: A selection of overnight deals and discounted breaks at the Schull Harbour Hotel are now available from €199 per night at schullharbourhotel.ie.